HOCKEY IS BACK, PEOPLE! Ditch the pumpkin spice-infused anything and hide the scented candles and harvest-themed throw pillows, the real reason we all love fall is upon us: it's time to tap back into our favourite game played on a 200-foot sheet of ice.

In today's run-and-gun, high-paced NHL, the importance of a solid blue-line corps can sometimes go overlooked. However, real hockey heads and dedicated fantasy GMs know that winning clubs are built on, and anchored by, a balanced group of rearguards able to contribute at both ends of the ice while protecting their guy in the blue paint. Here are the top-10 teams with the best blue-line brigades heading into the 2024-25 season.

10) Carolina Hurricanes

Big three blue-liners: Shayne Gostisbehere, Jaccob Slavin, Brent Burns

The Hurricanes are a squad that hangs its hat in the defensive end, led by the dynamic and criminally underrated Jaccob Slavin. Even with the losses of Brett Pesce and Brady Skjei, Carolina should once again be one of the stingier groups to play against with a number of attractive fantasy blue liners. What makes this blue line special is their ability to control play and transition quickly from defense to offense, while also holding the opposition to the least shots in the NHL last season at an impressive 25.6. Slavin's defensive acumen and ability to break up plays seamlessly feed into the Hurricanes' offensive game plan. Sprinkle in Dmitry Orlov's blend of skill, mobility, and physicality, and Brent Burns continuing to defy age and stay productive, the Hurricanes' defense group stands out for their ability to generate offense without sacrificing defensive integrity.

9) Boston Bruins

Big three blue-liners: Charlie McAvoy, Nikita Zadorov, Hampus Lindholm

Even after significant changes to the makeup of this franchise, the Bruins have managed to maintain a formidable blue line anchored by Charlie McAvoy and the newly-added Nikita Zadorov. McAvoy’s ability to log heavy minutes and contribute offensively while playing with a mean physical edge makes him the centerpiece of the Bruins’ defense. Partnering him with Zadorov and Hampus Lindholm, an excellent two-way defender, gives Boston a balanced top-three that can handle tough matchups. The Bruins' depth is bolstered by veteran Brandon Carlo and six-foot-five behemoth Mason Lohrei, who add size and penalty-killing prowess. Boston's blue line may not be as flashy as others, but they excel at suppressing scoring chances and getting the puck up the ice quickly, providing stability to a forward group in transition. With Jeremy Swayman now locked in long term, there is no reason Boston shouldn't be knocking on the door as one of the best in the Atlantic Division.

8) Edmonton Oilers

Big three blue-liners: Evan Bouchard, Mattias Ekholm, Darnell Nurse

When talking about the Oilers, most people think of their high-octane offense led by Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and others. However, it's their defense that has quietly become a strength. Evan Bouchard is now a top-five fantasy option using his heavy shot to create scoring chances while also covering peripheral categories nicely. The addition of Mattias Ekholm has been a stabilizing force, bringing a strong defensive presence and puck-moving ability that balances the blue line. Edmonton's defense is structured to support their dynamic offense, creating quick breakouts that feed their transition game, while still maintaining enough size and grit to handle tough matchups. If they can get a little more out of their $9.25-million man in Nurse, this is going to be a very hard team to beat.

7) Nashville Predators

Big three blue-liners: Roman Josi, Brady Skjei, Jeremy Lauzon

Nashville has always been known for its defensive depth, and this season is no different. Roman Josi remains one of the most electrifying defensemen in the league who is still bringing it fantasy-wise with his ability to join the rush and create offense at a near point-per-game pace. He's complemented by the newly-added Brady Skjei who should add another wrinkle of offense after a career-high 47 points last campaign for the Hurricanes. Lastly, don't sleep on the peripheral category value of the hard-hitting banger-league beauty Jeremy Lauzon, a rugged rearguard who led the entire NHL in hits last season with a crooked 383 while chipping in with 111 blocked shots and 98 penalty minutes.

6) Buffalo Sabres

Big three blue-liners: Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, Bowen Byram

Buffalo's blue line has gone from an area of weakness to a strength in a short span, thanks to the rapid development of Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power and the addition of Bowen Byram. Dahlin has blossomed into an elite offensive defenseman, capable of quarterbacking the power play and driving possession while also bringing elite fantasy value with hits, blocks and penalty minutes. Power, on the other hand, plays a composed two-way game beyond his years, making him a perfect complement. The Sabres' blue line isn't just about raw talent—they have mobility, offensive flair, and a physical edge that will make them a force to be reckoned with for years to come.

5) Vegas Golden Knights

Big three blue-liners: Shea Theodore, Noah Hanifin, Alex Pietrangelo

The Stanley Cup champions from two seasons ago boast a rugged, skilled blue line that's a major reason why there's a banner hanging in the rafters on the Strip. Even at the age of 34, Alex Pietrangelo remains a rock on defense, logging heavy minutes and contributing offensively. Shea Theodore is one of the league's best skating defensemen who is severely underrated and can create plays out of nowhere. With Noah Hanifin rounding out their top three and signed in Vegas long term, the Knights have a well-rounded group that excels at both ends of the ice. Their defense is built on the ability to shut down top lines while still activating offensively.

4) Dallas Stars

Big three blue-liners: Miro Heiskanen, Thomas Harley, Matt Dumba

Dallas has quietly built one of the most effective blue lines in the league, led by Miro Heiskanen. Heiskanen's elite skating and offensive instincts make him one of the most dynamic defensemen in the game. Thomas Harley is a name to closely monitor for rising fantasy value and has breakout written all over him as he provides puck-moving skill and youth to the group. Dallas' defensive corps is difficult to forecheck against and excels at breaking up plays in the neutral zone, feeding into their structured, defensive-minded system. Don't be surprised if this is the last team standing in the Western Conference.

3) New Jersey Devils

Big three blue-liners: Dougie Hamilton, Luke Hughes, Simon Nemec

New Jersey's blue line has rapidly become a force, with Dougie Hamilton leading the way and poised for a big bounce-back season, especially with Jacob Markstrom now providing the stability needed for a guy like Hamilton to do his thing offensively. Hamilton's offensive skill set and booming shot from the point make him a threat every time he's on the ice. He's complemented by two young studs in Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec, rounded out by Brett Pesce, Brenden Dillon and the underappreciated Jonas Siegenthaler. What makes New Jersey's defense special is their ability to move the puck quickly and efficiently, fitting into their up-tempo, high-pressure style. They're set up to support their forward group and can generate offense from the back end with ease.

2) Colorado Avalanche

Big three blue-liners: Cale Makar, Devon Toews, Josh Manson

Colorado's defense is built to support their relentless attack, making quick decisions with the puck and pushing the pace with Cale Makar as the centrepiece. What can be said about Makar that hasn't already, other than he is the clear-cut number one fantasy defenseman in hockey, with game-changing speed and a plethora of offensive weapons to feed the puck to in the Avs' forward group. Makar should be counted on to repeat his 90-point season from a year ago. Colorado's blue-line is built on its mobility and skill, making them a nightmare for opposing forechecks while giving them an advantage in every matchup.

1) New York Rangers

Big three blue-liners: Adam Fox, Jacob Trouba, K'Andre Miller

The Rangers boast the best blue line in the league heading into the 2024-25 season. Adam Fox leads the way as one of the premier offensive defensemen, using his elite vision and puck-moving skills to create scoring opportunities. K'Andre Miller's blend of size, skating, and physicality bring categorical fantasy coverage and have him primed for a big stepping-out-type season. Jacob Trouba, the team captain, adds a physical edge and leadership while still contributing offensively. With the best goalie in the league covering their backs in Igor Shesterkin, the Rangers blue-line brigade has the confidence to wreak havoc offensively while regularly bringing the boom with body, making them an extremely hard team to match up against.